VOL.

1 ISSUE 2 WINTER 2011

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MAGAZINE

Happy

Holidays!

WHATS NEXT?
Interviews
RANDEE HELLER LESLEY ANN WARREN DENNIS LAMBERT JANIS SIEGEL RUPAUL EXCERPT FROM MY FORTHCOMING MEMOIR

BEAUTY BOOKS FASHION INSPIRATION

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Shop NOW

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W W W. F R A N N E G O L D E . C O M

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CONTENTS

Winter Issue Features

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INTERVIEW Randee Heller INTERVIEW Lesley Ann Warren INTERVIEW Janis Siegel INTERVIEW Dennis Lambert INTERVIEW Rupaul FASHION FranneGolde.com
Model: Katherine Kendall Photographer and Design: Vanessa Chandler ON THE COVER

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Goodies
20 WHATS NEXT by Michael Sigman 22 BEAUTY HIGHWAY with Robin McDonald 44 SHOES 46 FAVES 48 MAKE-UP 50 BOOK REVIEWS 54 CHESS MOVES 58 INSPIRATION

Special Thanks To: To all my customers, friends and family for thier constant love and support! My super model Katherine Kendall and to my entire staff led by Vanessa Chandler for thier tireless efforts.
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the publishers or management of FG Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in FG Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that persons expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content in their advertisement in FG Magazine. Photographers work that is published in any advertising or editorial content within FG Magazine agrees to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss and expense due to a photographers failure to gain a model release.

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Letter from the Publisher:

It seems everyone I talk to these days is REINVENTING themselves. Whether its changing careers or relationships, looking for spiritual growth or a renewed sense of PURPOSE, or just reaccessing who they are, CHANGE is all around. It can be scary, but it can also be the best thing that ever happens to you. Over the years, Ive been a waitress, played piano bars, imported screws and bolts from China, cashiered, counseled the unemployed, sold cosmetics and hosiery. And I was the first girl to sell shoes on State Street in CHICAGO! My greatest PASSION has always been music. Ive been lucky enough to have a successful career performing all over the U.S and abroad, and recording and performing as a solo artist. Ive been an award-winning SONGWRITER, penning hits for The COMMODORES, DIANA ROSS, WHITNEY HOUSTON, CHRISTINE AGULEIRA and many other stars. Each time Ive made a move I had to overcome my fears and insecurities. And tough as that was, it always turned out to be well worth the effort. My FASHION odyssey began when I was 20 years old, I collected vintage dresses, jeans, coats and silk velvet scarves that I wore on stage along with the classic pieces I still wear today. Recently at a fund-raiser for my daughters school, I set up a BOUTIQUE. I thought Id sell a few items, but before I knew it, I was nearly sold out. I got fantastic feedback, which led to my in-home boutique, which in turn led to frannegolde.com, which is based on my simple philosophy: Everything I sell I wear myself. IF I DONT LOVE IT, I WONT SELL IT. If you join me on my JOURNEY, youll discover that WHATS NEXT for me is wide-ranging and hopefully inspiring. In addition to frannegolde.com and FG MAGAZINE, Im immersed in writing my MEMOIR and working on a BROADWAY SHOW. All submissions to FG Magazine are welcome! Please send Photos, Articles, Products, Stories, Art or anything you want to share to: submissions@frannegolde.com Please read the submission guidelines on the FAQs page at www.frannegolde.com.
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FG 6by: Katherine Kendall Photo

You have to start doing something and trust the muse will follow, not the other way round.
-- Roger Ebert

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IN EVERY ISSUE OF FG MAGAZINE I WILL BRING YOU INTO MY WORLD AND INTRODUCE YOU TO PEOPLE IVE MET ALONG THE WAY. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO PINCH MYSELF WHEN I THINK OF WHERE I CAME FROM AND WHERE IVE ENDED UP. IM SO GRATEFUL TO KNOW SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE AND TO CALL THEM FRIENDS!

LESLEY ANN WARREN I met the gorgeous, loveable and talented Ms. Warren when I first moved to Los Angeles in 79. We have been friends ever since. She is such an inspiration, honest to a fault and absolutely beautiful inside and out!

RANDEE HELLER I met Randee, Emmy nominated, for her roll as Mrs. Blankenship on Mad Men, through my friend Bob Garett and Im so glad I did. Down to earth, funny, warm and genuine. A keeper!

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DENNIS LAMBERT Where do I begin? Its a love thang. Dennis is like family.Weve had hits together, I was married in his home, Hes been a mentor and my go to for any and all kinds of advice. AND he makes the best tuna salad Ive ever eaten!

JANIS SIEGEL I met this amazing woman in 1975 when I was fortunate enough to open for her group The Manhatten Transfer on their first national tour. She continues to inspire me with her boundless energy and remarkable talent. And what a smile!

RUPAUL I love RuPaul! He is the best of all worlds. Generous, caring, gracious and totally supportive. I have known him for years and he is the true definition of re-invention.

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INTERVIEW

Randee Heller
1. What is your most important relationship?
My daughters, Sloane and Cody.

2. Where and when was your deepest spiritual experience?

It always occurs in nature. Hiking in Northern Kauai, the Galapagos Islands, peering over the Grand Canyon.

3. What quality do you treasure most in a man?

Kindness

4. What quality do you treasure most in a woman?

Kindness

5. What is your favorite Food? Book? Music?

Food: I am a foodie. There are too many to list. But it can be found anywhere from a great hole in the wall to a gourmet restaurant. But if I were given a last meal; I might request mashed potatoes. Book: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Music: Again too many to list. Everything from Eva Cassidy to Ella Fitzgerald and thats just the es.

6. What is most important to you about your work?

The people I work with.

7. What is your greatest passion?

Music and singing.

8. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

Jury is still out.

9. Whats the most important thing you have changed about yourself?
My expectations.

10. Whats next?

Hopefully, tomorrow.

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Photo by: Bobby Quillard

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INTERVIEW

Lesley Ann Warren

1. What is your most important relationship?
I believe my most important relationship is with a power greater than myself. Without that, all other deep & meaningful relationships cannot thrive.

2. Where and when was your deepest spiritual experience?

I have had many deep & powerful spiritual experiences. I remember once being faced with a terrifying possible health issue & on the way to the doctor, I was looking out the window when everything around me went white, buildings etc. disappeared & I felt this sense of calm & peace & I heard a voice telling me everything was going to be alright & it was.

3. What quality do you treasure most in a man?

I treasure trustworthiness.

4. What quality do you treasure most in a woman?

Kindness

5. What is your favorite Food? Book? Music?

Food- toasted bagels & butter, music- could never pick, love so many different modes, bookeverything from Joyce Carol OatesBlonde to Eloise

6. What is most important to you about your work?

That it has the respect of the people I admire.

7. What is your greatest passion?

My greatest passion is my unswerving commitment to whatever I put my focus on.

8. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

New York & Malibu

9. Whats the most important thing you have changed about yourself?
I have changed so much about myself, this is truly an ever changing picture. Somewhere long ago, I knew I wanted to make my exit, having experienced freedom from the cellular imprints that governed me, thats been my lifes journey & believe me it takes a village.

10. Whats next?

Professionally, I will be doing the Tony nominated play Next Fall & personally, more of the mysterious & magical unfolding of this wild & glorious ride that is my life.

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INTERVIEW

Janis Siegel
1. What is your most important relationship?
I would have to say its my relationship with myself....out of which all other relationships grow. I had the singular experience of being at the right place at the right time. I was living in Venice Ca in 1980 when Swami Muktananda, the founder of Siddha Yoga, had a residency there . I would visit the ashram a few times a week and this is where I received shaktipat ,or direct transmission from the guru himself. Positive attitude

2. Where and when was your deepest spiritual experience?

3. What quality do you treasure most in a man? 4. What quality do you treasure most in a woman?
Intellectual curiousity

5. What is your favorite Food? Book? Music?

Food: Artichokes, chocolate souffl, fried green tomatoes, homemade pasta, a great rare steak, pesto, caviar and buckwheat blini, Maine lobster,white truffles Book : Geek Love , Aphrodite, (Isabel Allende) Rilke on Love and other Difficulties, Time and the Art of Living ( Robert Grudin) The Submission ( Amy Waldman) Poems of Pablo Neruda Music: Jupiter Symphony - Mozart, Maiden Voyage -Herbie Hancock, anything by Luigi Boccherini, Miles Ahead,-Miles Davis, bossa nova and contemporary Brazilan music, anything by Ella Fitzgerald, Janelle Monae, Fred Hersch Communication ... mastery and growth.

6. What is most important to you about your work? 7. What is your greatest passion?

Music, my family and friends, medicine and cooking Either NYC, Switzerland or Italy

8. If you could live anywhere, where would you live? 9. Whats the most important thing you have changed about yourself?
More patience, more compassion. Still not even close , but Im trying every day. (except when Im too impatient)

10. Whats next?

I feel as if I am now in a great place musically, with experience and maturity, but also strength and energy so I am trying a number of different paths right now. Of course The Manhattan Transfer is still actively touring so I am involved with that. I have a wonderful girl trio,comprised of Laurel Mass, my original female partner in TMT, and Lauren Kinhan a current member of the New York Voices. The work we do together is very fulfilling -my real roots are singing in a female trio and I really love that sound. We have a very eclectic repertoire, were just about to embark on our second CD, and we all compose and arrange so its really fun. I also work with my west coast trio once or twice a year ,comprised of Alan Pasqua, Darek Oles and Steve Hass. I love to produce other singers, sing on other projects, and also have been doing a fair amount of teaching. Just started working with a marvelous pianist from Philly named John diMartino and we will start doing shows in Dec 2011.

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INTERVIEW

Dennis Lambert
1. What is your most important relationship?
The relationship with my wife, Bettina, is surely my most important one. My happiness, my equilibrium and much of my inspiration comes from the love and support I get from her. I was present in the O.R. when Bettina delivered our daughter, Misha, by Cesarian. The overwhelming joy of seeing my dear friend, Ken Keer (Pediatrician) take my seconds-old baby from Dr. Uzzi Reiss (OB/GYN & miracle worker) and do his just born pediatric exam managed to mask the surrealism of seeing various of my wifes organs laid out on a strange looking table. It was an incredibly spiritual and intense hour, 8-9PM, June 17th...1993...Beverly Hills, California. Loyalty...to a fault.

2. Where and when was your deepest spiritual experience?

3. What quality do you treasure most in a man? 4. What quality do you treasure most in a woman?
Honesty...as long as its not me shes being too honest about.

5. What is your favorite Food? Book? Music?

Chinese food is my true weakness...Reading Lyrics is a great songwriter bedside companion... my favorite recording...my most pleasurable musical immersion comes from listening to Johnny Mathis sing The Ballads & Rhythms of Broadway in its entirety. The quality of this songwriting, perhaps the greatest era ever, married to Johnnys unique interpretations and magical voice is my personal, musical heaven. I have my big brother, Eddie, to thank for this. He brought Johnny and this double album into my life many years ago. That I always enjoy the race and not always care where I finish.

6. What is most important to you about your work? 7. What is your greatest passion?

My son, Jody, my daughter, Misha and my wife, Bettina stir my passion pot more than anything or anyone else. What I wish for them in their lives moves me to passionate places. Eight years ago, I really wanted to live in South Florida and I convinced my wife that this was actually a good idea! Eight years before that, we moved from Los to Manhattan. I think theres a pattern emerging. Istanbul...here we come! Ive been able to make something other than music a priority in my life. Now Im enjoying the pull back into it and I feel excited about it. Doctors appointments on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday... All kidding aside, Ive been performing live around the country with several of the artists who made some of my songs famous; Im working on a memoir called Of All The Things and looking forward to the remake of the documentary of the same name to star Steve Carell.

8. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

9. Whats the most important thing you have changed about yourself? 10. Whats next?

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INTERVIEW

RuPaul
1. What is your most important relationship?
I most cherish my relationship with spirit consciousness for navigating through this dream - like having the most awesome, intuitive GPS system.

2. Where and when was your deepest spiritual experience?

Last time I saw my mother, before she was completely consumed by cancer, I had to clean her up and change her undergarments. I knew she was embarrassed, so I told her not to be, and that it was my honor to do for her what she had done countless times for me. In that moment, I got it. The humanity we all came here to experience. That happened in San Diego19 years ago in the house I grew up in.

3. What quality do you treasure most in a man?

I place kindness high atop my list of human virtues.

4. What quality do you treasure most in a woman?

I place kindness high atop my list of human virtues.

5. What is your favorite Food? Book? Music?

Food: Louisiana Gumbo. Book: A Return To Love by Marianne Williamson. Album:Kenny Rogers Eyes That See In The Dark Song: Rick Astley Take Me To Your Heart

6. What is most important to you about your work?

Its gotta be fun, otherwise why do it?

7. What is your greatest passion?

Music, laughter & love.

8. If you could live anywhere, where would you live?

San Francisco.

9. Whats the most important thing you have changed about yourself?
My perception of myself in relation to the Universe.

10. Whats next?

This moment right here.

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WHATS NEXT?

by Michael Sigman

Early in the last decade, after running LA Weekly for nearly 20 years as publisher and then president/CEO, I was abruptly fired. There was no warning or reason -- I was simply told, Its time for a change. I was devastated. Id become so identified with my job, I couldnt imagine what to do next. So I flailed around for a couple of years, putting my dads songwriting catalog in order and doing some consulting and some nonprofit work. And getting bored. I still thought of myself as an alternative newsweekly publisher. So in 2005, I moved from LA to Atlanta for a week. I accepted a job as publisher of that citys alternative newsweekly, Creative Loafing, (aptly-named as it turned out). That it wouldnt work out became clear immediately. The fact that I was unable to get a key to my new office was scary enough (dont ask), but I could also see right away that the company was hopelessly screwed up. Though a voice in my head told me I should stick it out, a stronger voice said that we were not meant to suffer. So I quit. Fortunately, I hadnt sold my house and hurried back to Laurel Canyon to regroup. (CL went bankrupt shortly thereafter.) It wasnt a bad time to get out of the alternative weekly business. I was way out of their target audience, the industry was in severe recession and besides, no one was offering me any big jobs. So, at age 55, I had to reinvent myself. All my life, Id simply fallen into things, but this time I had to make something happen. Shortly after returning to LA, I attended a meditation retreat. Sitting still and doing nothing for a week allowed all my negative thoughts to parade by, and by the end of the few positive ones snuck in. Three key words emerged from this process: consulting and writing. I knew that given my experience, I could help other publishers deal with their myriad challenges. So I reached out to friends and associates and within weeks was lucky enough to land a couple of consulting gigs, which paid pretty well and allowed me the luxury of giving advice without all the stress and responsibility of running a company. On the writing front, I dove into a book project about the healing effects of meditation. The book never happened, but the writing and the research proved invaluable. I also began writing short pieces for publications and for Huffington Post. And I signed a couple of young songwriters to my familys music publishing company. As was the case with my book, I was unable to achieve immediate commercial success in this endeavor, though one of the writers I worked with went on to a multiple Tony-winning career. I was again very lucky to have my dads catalog bringing in revenue, so that the process of working with such talented musicians was joyful and, I think, helpful for the long run. Five years down the road, I mustve had over 100 meetings on music, film, Internet and writing projects. As is the case with so many entertainment industry stories, virtually none of these came to full fruition. But now, having turned 60 (two years ago!), Im blessed to enjoy a balanced life, which combines meditation, exercise, work and play. There are still terrible frustrations, but they pale in comparison to the positives. Oh, and theres one other thing. I met the love of my life. And were getting married soon!

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G E T

I N S P I R E D

W H A T S

N E X T ?

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BEAUTY
Went to see my friend and facialist Robin McDonald for my fall fix. Ever the cutting edge renaissance woman that she is, I was in for a treat. ON the menu today, A Deep Pore Cleansing PUMPKIN Facial. Massage with PUMPKIN E OIL, deep pore extraction, Cherries Jubilee Enzyme dousing, followed by ultra hydrating milk masque more massage and loads of her high tech goodies and amazing choice of music. Needless to say I felt like licking my face and left juiced for the holiday season! In the spirit of reinventing myself this year I started doing stand up comedy. Im 56. Of course, you dont have to go that far to start changing things up. It could be as simple as beginning to question why so many cosmetic manufacturers constantly bombard us with reasons to purchase their latest synthetic miracle treatments when some of natures most powerful resources are right under our noses!

Reinvent the way you look at beauty this season by taking matters into your own hands.
With the holidays right around the corner, you can always count on a myriad of beauty articles on how to get glam for the party. The trouble is, no one tells us how to repair the damage the next day! Here are a few suggestions of remedies you can whip up in your very own kitchen to help lighten the load the morning after.

Cucumber Eye Pillow

Cucumbers have a natural cooling action on the skin not to mention their clean, crisp aroma, which is uplifting on its own. Grate of a cucumber onto a clean soft washcloth. Fold corners (burrito style), roll up tightly and run over cold water. Put your feet up for five minutes while pressing the compress into the contours of the eye area to soothe, brighten and combat puffiness.

Egg, Yogurt and Honey Beauty Flash Balm

Whip the whites of two eggs in a small bowl. Fold two tablespoons of Greek style non fat yogurt into the egg whites mixture. Add a teaspoon of honey and whip into a thick consistency. Apply to face and neck after cleansing. Leave for fifteen minutes to lighten, brighten and tighten tired skin.

Cranberry Lip and cheek stain

Crush 10 fresh cranberries in a small microwave safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Add one drop of Vitamin E and heat together to a boil. When cooled, strain through a fine sieve and transfer to a small portable container. Use a small clean brush or your finger to lightly dab on lips and cheeks to enhance a blush that we only come by naturally! I always like to begin something new BEFORE the end of the year so I can skate into the new one with some momentum. Take a fear, and turn it into faith! What great new ideas will you bring into 2012? Heres to a wonderful holiday season full of faith, family, love, hope, giving back and loads of laughs! Thank you!

Find Robin at: beautyhighway.com

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LEATHER AVIATOR VEST

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THE ULTIMATE BOOT CUT PANT

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KNIT COAT

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MESH DRESS BY INIZIO

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LINDSEY BY JUDE
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KATE VEST

CAGNEY HOODIE CAGNEY HOODIE BY JUDE

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MAGIC BY JUDE

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MESH DRESS BY INIZIO

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INIZIO HOODIE

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ZELDA MILITARY COAT

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SCRAFS

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CARRIE TO BY JUDE

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SAMANTHA DRESS BY JUDE

SHAWL

ANUE LIGNE REVERSABLE TOP SCOOP NECK

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ANUE LIGNE REVERSABLE TOP HIGH NECK

SAMANTHA MESH HOODIE DRESS

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FRANNES PICKS

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Outside of Her Own Closet.

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SHOES

ARCHE DATO BOOT I love when designers go wild. These are great looking and comfy to boot! Black, beige and the purple. Wow!

BOUTIQUE 9 ROCHELLE Cool twist on an old classic - slip on with jeans or the Inizio Mesh Dress @ frannegolde.com

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ZADIG ET VOLTAIRE BOOTS MILITARY Super cool, subtle camouflage leather. Great boot!

ZADIG ET VOLTAIRE BOOTS TEDDY They are always coming up with classic cool. I love the soft, red leather lining and the mini skull decor. Cross your leg and let your pant uncover the unexpected.

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FAVES

GIAMBATTISTA-VALLI-COUTURE- I NEED SOMEWHERE TO WEAR THIS!

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RAW ROMANCE - I LOVE THESE STOCKINGS AND THE SHOES OMG!

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BEAUTY
NARS G - SPOT - for lips, eyes and cheeks. Great alternative to Malibu, which Ive used for years. And youve gotta love the name!

Just got my toes done with Chinchilly, great taupey/grey by ESSIE. Yay!!

I love my new lipstick by SMASHBOX - Its true what they say about buying a new lipstick. It made me very HAPPY after a stressful day! Color - Glamorous, Feeling - Glamorous! Im also loving the lucious and seductive look of CHANELS Holiday 2011 makeup collection gold,red,beige and black. CLASSIC! Cant go wrong.

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AND Im going to try one of these DIOR colors for the holidays. All of them have a gold shimmer: Or Divin - Exquis - Mereille - Appart

I also love these Holiday Shades from MAC. Go in over the holiday and get your make-up done. Its always uplifting to get a fresh new look and relaxing. We like relaxing!

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BOOKS The Life & Love of Trees

I never understood my connection to trees till i lost several of my own. I still mourn the empty space they left. This book is a spectacular, exquisite look at the earths longest living entities. And what a great holiday gift!

Pilgrimage
A personal gift from the lens of Annie Leibovitz. She gives us a real glimpse into her life and what holds special meaning to her. I love all her stories that accompany these extraordinary photos.

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The Color Of Water

If you missed it the first time around you are in for a real treat. It wasnt available for a while, but now there is an anniversary issue. The inspirational story of Ruth McBride Jordan formerly Rachel Shilsky, a Polish Jew, who battles racism and poverty while managing to raise 12 extraordinary children. This true story is penned by her son, author James McBride, whose need to know his true racial identity and burning questions about his mother prompted the writing of this incredible story. I was so moved by this book I emailed Mr. McBride to thank him for writing it. I wish someone would make the film already!.

My Many Colored Days

A childrens book written by genius, Dr. Seuss. It was published posthumously in 1996 after his death in 1991. It features striking paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. Its a wonderful way for parents to talk to their kids about moods and emotions. That said, Ive given it to several adult friends over the years who were going through a rough time. Its one of my favorite gifts to give.

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IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON I CHOSE one of my childhood and adult favorites.

The Happy Prince

A swallow meets the statue of the late Happy Prince, in which the soul of the original prince lives. The prince has never experienced true happiness, but the swallow makes it all possible. Read it for free online at: http://www.artpassions.net/wilde/happy_prince.html AND make sure to have a Kleenex handy. While youre at it check out:

The Nightingale and the Rose

Also available online: http://www.artpassions. net/wilde/nightingale.html AND keep your Kleenex.

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Chess Moves
It was an amazing time for me. My band -- the one I created with beautiful, moody, brilliant Tony Zito -- was the hottest ticket in Chicago. Frannie and Zoey could do no wrong. Fans lined up, critics ran out of superlatives. Then, in a moment, it was gone. Tony wanted to finish his serious rock opera and I wanted to do the Sonny & Cher show. I thought both were possible. They werent. F&Z had been my life but Tony was done and I was done in. All I knew for sure was that music was my emotional liberation and I would make music and Id make a living at it. I just didnt know the next step. I drifted for a few months, and one day my dad opened the door to a magic kingdom. I walked through it, into the opportunity of a lifetime. Sweetheart, he said in his Daddys here kind of way, Ive got a client, a great guy named Ralph Bass, really knows the music business. He has a room you could work in. A room? What kind of room? And who is Ralph Bass anyway? Ive always felt blessed by a heavenly force that helps guide me through periods of trouble and transition. This time, my angel landed in the form of a living music legend. Ralph was a record producer, writer and A&R man whose fingerprints had been all over the greatest black music since the 1940s. His list of collaborators was a whos who of rhythm & blues: James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Lena Horne, Sam Cooke, The Platters and more. Ralph was a pioneer who brought black music into the American mainstream. And I was about to meet him. I hopped into dads Cadi and we drove up Lake Shore Drive across the city to East 21st Street on Chicagos South Side. We pulled up in front of the double glass doors of an age-stained red brick building. I had no clue what I was about to walk into. Chess Records was, at one time, Chicagos temple of rhythm and blues, home to the gifted, tortured and resilient legendary blues and soul singers. The ones who poured it all into infectious grooves, haunting melodies and heartfelt lyrics filled with love, rebellion, sex and bittersweet longing? Yes, Ralph was doing my father a favor but what did I know? Of course, by the time I got there Chess was long past its prime. It had passed from its namesakes, the Chess Brothers, into the corporate hands of GRT. Still, there was a steady stream of greats who came to make their music. And there was Ralph, a tall man with shaggy light brown hair, a goatee, aviator glasses, cowboy boots and a Smokey Joes shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal chest hair and a Star of David. He shook my dads hand vigorously and flashed a warm smile in my direction. Ya dad tells me you a singer-songwriter. Ralphs drawl surprised me. A middle-aged Jew talking pure South Side blues? Yes I am! I said, sounding a lot more sure of myself than I was.

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Ralph nodded, excited to have some fresh blood in the building. He led us down a long hallway lined with studios and gold records, opened one of the double doors and ushered us into a small, musty room. He turned up all the dimmers and looked at me with a glint in his eye. This is it, he said. The studio was small, maybe 300 square feet. It looked unused and unloved. There was a gutted control room with wires hanging from every angle, funky equipment and a few broken chairs gathering dust. On the other side of the glass window was a recording area with an ebony grand piano, a B3 organ and a Wollensak reel-to-reel inch tape recorder propped on a brown metal folding chair. I knew instantly that this was home, the new center of my universe. It became my office, my classroom, my writing retreat and rehearsal space. And I was the only white girl in the building, roaming the halls bursting with energy and making friends. Lots of them. The energy of the place got my juices flowing. Within weeks, I found a new on-stage partner, Artie Feldman, and we resolved to become the white Marvin Gaye and Tammi Tyrell. Sometimes Ralph sent in one of the iconic studio musicians who hung around Chess to jam with us. One afternoon, the great session guitarist Cash McCall breezed in unannounced and started playing along to one of our songs as though hed been in my band forever. I was floating on a cloud of sweetness and connection, the unspoken language between musicians. I was inspired and confident and happy. That was who I wanted to be all the time. Sometimes Ralph would stop by and listen to one of our new songs. His ear was impeccable and, just as important, he was honest. Everyone trusted him. A low-key keep at it was code for this needs work. When he liked something, hed slap the nearest hand a hard high five. That be the shit, Ralph would holla. Fire and brimstone. I lived for those words. Ralph, aka Big B, quickly became my main man. He was kind and generous, the perfect father precisely because there were no parent-child complications. Hed mesmerize me for hours with his gravelly voice and stories about Aretha, Muddy, and Chuck Berry, how he discovered James Brown and Ike Turner in the same month. I loved his stories. Id track him down just to hear another one that would inspire me to run back to my piano to spill my guts trying to write the next Aint No Mountain High Enough. Imo play you sumpin not many people get to hear, Ralph said one sweltering summer day. I followed him into a small, cold, soundproof room. He pulled out a tape from the countless treasures in the Chess vault. Recorded this in the 50s, he explained as he effortlessly threaded the half-inch machine. He cranked up the sound and blew my mind. You know who that is? He laughed at my bliss. Thas Aretha Franklin. Thirteen years ol. I was onea the first to record her. I couldnt believe what I was hearing an otherworldly voice from an unknown dimension, already ripe. And Im thinking 13?

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Do you know who Etta James is? he said, weaving another tape into the machine. One of the greatest blues singers of our time. She be the real thang. By the time the last notes of All I Could Do Is Cry poured out, Id died and gone to heaven. Ralph, youre killin me. Shes a-MA-zing. Ralph plugged me into the heart of my own music. A couple of weeks later, just as I was walking through the Chess doors, Ralph pulled up in his 59 cherry red Vette. He rolled down his window and called out, Stop by Studio A later this afternoon. If Ralph was inviting, I was going. The lights in the studio control room were so dim it took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust. Then I saw him. A giant of a black man, all 6-foot-3, 250 pounds of him writhing on the linoleum floor, dripping wet in a white short-sleeved shirt and a loose tie, wailing into a microphone that was almost smothered by his large hands and thick fingers. The spiky rasp of his gut-shaking voice made the room -- and my world -- tremble. Ralph stood at the board smiling like a little kid. Thats the Wolf, Howlin Wolf. Can you record him like that? I shouted above the dangerous, wondrous decibel level. When its the Wolf you can. The Wolf pulled out his harp and his band kicked into overdrive. Everyone and everything was moving. I wanted to give out that kind of energy so badly it made my body ache. Ralph was lost in the flow as though it were the first time hed ever heard anything like this. And at that moment, I understood the secret of Big Bs genius. It wasnt just his accomplished musicianship, production chops or flawless instincts. Ralph was first and foremost a diehard fan, passionate about the blues and everyone who had them, played them, sang them. Its what set him apart and made him special. This was his love, and it was contagious. I was only too happy to come down with a bad case of it. I was in a near-constant state of being blown away. Id drop by a Tom Tom Washington session with full horns and strings or watch Corky Segal wail on his harmonica in front of his Segal Schwall band. Id hear the astonishing Minnie Riperton run up and down four or five octaves over her band The Rotary Connection. Id bump into Muddy Waters, Jerry Butler or the Dells. And then there were the Chess regulars, brilliant studio musicians like Phil Upchurch, Richard Evans, Morris Jennings and Louis Satterfield among them. I thought I was becoming a pretty seasoned vet, but Ralph always had another surprise up his paisley sleeve. Girl, we goin start about five. You don wanna miss Etta. Trus me. By late afternoon the whole place was buzzing. The studio, maybe 1000 square feet, bristled with radio programmers, DJs, A&R and promotion people and reporters from The SunTimes, The Tribune, Ebony, Jet and The Chicago Defender. This was going to be big, mind blowing, incredible.

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As 5 oclock turned into 6 the crowd, now about 75 in all, grew restless. Whats she doin, recordin a pop album? Hey shuddup. Its Etta. The shouts were escalating when finally, at 6:30 the lights dimmed. Etta arrived and no one breathed. Eerie strings, then drums and then the unmistakable Chuck Rainey bass. More strings layered into the fierce arrangement. Horns joined the strings, teasing and taunting over the heavy funk. Chills rippled down my arms and back. Etta emerged slowly from behind a black baffle. Maybe she was stoned -- hard to tell -- but she was definitely lost in the groove. I was so close I could see the glaze in her eyes and the veins pop in her neck. She closed her eyes. Out on the street the summer heat, boyfriend games, changing their names, pullin tricks, getting their kicks. She growled the chorus, All the way down let it ride... Tears ran down my cheeks, I glanced at Ralph and he shook his head, I know, I know. Etta was a hurricane, unfiltered and open. I lost consciousness of anyone or anything else in the room, or the universe. When the song ended, whispers rippled the room. Shes strung out again. Nah. I hear shes on Methadone, trying to beat the H. Then Ettas voice rang out again and it didnt matter what anyone supposed. We were in the company of greatness, of genius. And we all knew it. ---------------------------------------Etta sang from a place I longed to find within myself, and I sensed that if I could find that place and bring it into the world, maybe Id outwit the childhood ghosts that haunted me. Watching her, I was inspired to transform the damage and the dark feelings Id been so good at hiding into something gritty and beautiful. Just like Miss Etta.

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INSPIRATION

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INSPIRATION
I met Gene McFadden and John Whitehead in the early 80s. They had already had huge success with their hits, Backstabbers, Wake Up Everybody and Bad Luck among others. While putting together this issue of Re-Invention and Whats Next I couldnt help but remember how much they inspired me, kicked my butt, taught me and how much fun I had working with them. No matter what they were going through, and they did go through some serious shit at times, the minute the music started they were transformed and exuded total joy. Whenever I need a lift, to this day. I play their mega-HIT Aint No Stoppin Us Now. Gene and John are gone now, but they have left a treasure trove of music and inspired millions. Aint No Stoppin Us Now! Were on the move! Aint No Stoppin Us Now! Weve got the groove! Theres been so many things thats held us down. But now it looks like things are finally comin around. I know weve got, a long long way to go, And where well end up, I dont know. But we wont let nothin hold us back, Were putting ourselves together, Were polishing up our act! If youve ever been held down before, I know you refuse to be held down anymore! Dont you let nothing, nothing, Stand in your way! I want yall to listen, listen, To every word I say, every word I say! Aint No Stoppin Us Now! Were on the move! Aint No Stoppin Us Now! Weve got the groove! I know you know someone that has a negative vibe, And if youre trying to make it they only push you aside. They really dont have, nowhere to go. Ask them where theyre going, they dont know. But we wont let nothin hold us back, Were gonna put ourselves together, Gonna polish up our act! And if youve ever been held down before, I know you refuse to be held down anymore! Dont you let nothing, nothing, Stand in your way! I want yall to listen, listen, To every word I say, every word I say! Aint No Stoppin Us Now! Were on the move! Aint No Stoppin Us Now! Weve got the groove!

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